Whim Indulgence

Thank god I did not have the means to purchase a monkey or a parrot when I was in high school. Those things can live upwards of 75 years. I mean, a dog is a big commitment, but that doesn't compare to having to come home to cleaning a parrot cage every day for decades on end. When I think about how child stars end up later in life, or someone like Michael Jackson and his ability able to indulge every whim at a young age, I can begin to understand what makes them go so awry. You're saddled with all the stuff you thought was a good idea when you were 12, and now you don't have anyone to bail you out. My 12-year-old self would never believe this, but I'm glad I don't own a monkey now.